Arian Foster has earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and is one of the top talents on a team eyeing its first Super Bowl berth.

But Foster was left on the sideline during key moments of the Texans' 31-28 come-from-behind victory at San Diego on Monday, and his much-discussed reaction to the move continued to play out two days later.

Foster ran for 57 yards on 18 carries against the Chargers, while backup Ben Tate rushed nine times for 55 yards.

Coach Gary Kubiak said going into his team's opener that carries would be split between the duo. The approach will continue Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, since Kubiak wants to gradually work his star back into a new season and Foster acknowledged he's still not 100 percent.

"That has to be OK with me; we're chess pieces," Foster said Wednesday. "Coach makes the final ruling. But as a competitor, I've been in this league; I felt that I've played well throughout my tenure here. You want to be out there. You feel like you've earned that right to be out there. That's just where the frustration comes from."

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Tate was the better back Monday, and the third-year pro plans to push Foster all season.

"It's not like I'm hiding from him. I work hard every day," Tate said. "I think if you're both mature about the situation and you're both competitors and you both are pushing each other to be better, then, at the end of the day, it works out for the team."

Texans All-Pro left tackle Duane Brown said Foster's frustration was the "good" kind.

"I don't think it's a knock against him at all to feel that way," Brown said.

Reed turns 35; status uncertain

Ed Reed may make his Texans debut against the Titans. This is certain, though: Reed turned 35 on Wednesday.

The Texans jokingly reminded him of his advancing age, giving him a device normally reserved for the elderly and a birthday cake in the shape of a Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket.

"It's a platinum walker," said Reed, while unwrapping one of his gifts.

As for the veteran safety's playing status?

"I'll probably answer that question better (Thursday) … when we go back out there and get our pads on for a little bit again," coach Gary Kubiak said.

Intense rivalry forms with Titans

The Titans have turned into one of the Texans' main rivals, and the team once based in Houston continues to talk trash. Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey recently took a shot at the Texans.

While players such as J.J. Watt, Johnathan Joseph and Duane Brown said the Titans are a clear rival because they play in the AFC South, none took the bait when asked about a matchup that already has produced several heated moments.

"We talk about Tennessee and Houston, it's definitely a rivalry for more than one reason," Brown said. "It's always a physical battle. Besides that, we've gotten in some altercations in years past. I think the term 'rivalry' fits us well."

Brown shakes rust off technique

Arian Foster and Ben Tate struggled during the first half against the Chargers, and tackle Duane Brown initially wasn't himself while facing defensive end Dwight Freeney

Brown acknowledged it took him a while to get adjusted to the start of a new season. He expects better execution Sunday.

"I had some technique issues that I ironed out in the second half," he said.

NFL's take has coach confused

Gary Kubiak sought clarification after the NFL said a key late-game penalty against San Diego should not have been called. An unnecessary roughness flag on Cam Thomas helped set up a fourth-quarter touchdown that brought the Texans within 28-21. But Dean Blandino, NFL vice president of officiating, said the penalty shouldn't have occurred.

"I'm still confused, to be honest with you," Kubiak said. "The way I understand it, you cannot go toward the center at all."

Sharpton may play Sunday

Linebacker Darryl Sharpton could return against the Titans. He's near the end of the NFL's concussion protocol and went through a light practice Wednesday.